Makoto Yamada

Born: 1973
Hometown: Kanagawa, Japan
Resides: Niseko, Hokkaido

Profile:

After graduating high school, Makoto and Tomoki Takaku spent a winter season in Canada. That was the turning point for him. After that, Makoto went to Canada, France, Austria, Switzerland and the USA for backcountry snowboarding. Makoto spent the full-season in Alaska in 1997, 2000, 2002 and 2004, notably living in a tent in 2000. Makoto joined the Powder Company Guides in 2005 and has been guiding in the Niseko backcountry ever since. Makoto specializes in taking customers to the best areas and conditions of the day.